Motherhood

I re-read my last post or two and thought I should add in some side notes. I make it sound like this is the easiest thing I've ever done in my life, which would be FAR from true. It's definitely the most challenging thing in my life, but it's worth every second. Here's what I've learned so far about being a mom:

• There is no longer time in the day for a shower. I realized last night that it had been 3 days and that DHS would come and take my baby away if they realized how dirty I was...
• Sometimes I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. We kinda take a poll amongst ourselves and decide on what we think works best. She should have come with an instruction guide!
• My perineum hurts like crazy from my episiotomy. I slid in a puddle of water 2 days ago and thought I'd ripped it all open. OUCH!!! So, it's been a bit sore since then. And thanks for putting me on vaginal rest for 6 weeks, I SOOO wouldn't have thought to do so myself... :)
• It is possible to use the restroom and hold a baby at the same time and sometimes it's necessary. The hard part is how to wash your hands afterwards. Verdict is still out on that one.
• Sleeping was a beautiful part of my life. It will never be the same. I now have to wake up to check on her throughout the night, even though she is fine. However, we slept 6 hours straight last night before I woke her up to feed her. And then I felt terribly guilty because I missed a feeding.
• My breasts are HUGE. Like I went from a B to at least a D here. I'm so thankful I bought the voluptuous girl nursing bras from Motherhood Maternity because they even feel snug at this point.
• Sometimes I have to change her clothes because I leak all over her while feeding. These things are like faucets you don't choose to turn on. A bit inconvenient.
• When you're breastfeeding, you sometimes feel like the sole caregiver. Seems like ALL I ever do is feed her, feed myself, and try to rest. And feeding myself is a challenge because I'm starving all the time.

As for the "ring of fire" I promised we'd talk about... when the baby was crowning during delivery, it burned like the worst pain I'd ever felt in my life. My epidural had made everything pain-free up until now, but Erica had mentioned that she thought you'd feel it with or without pain meds. She was right, unfortunately! And in childbirth class, they described it as a ring of fire, which couldn't be more accurate. OWWEEE!!! Now this pain is followed by a slimy, bloody baby being laid on your chest which is the most amazing experience I've ever had. So, is it worth it? TOTALLY!

During labor, I couldn't control my body functions. Luckily, they put a urinary catheter in so the pee wasn't a problem. And I never pooped like everyone worries about. But what I did a lot of is fart. Especially everytime the doctor would check me which is quite unfortunate and awkward to fart ON your doctor. And with all of your loved ones in the room... My suggestion would be not to eat Taco Bell and lots of ice cream (I'm lactose intolerant) the night before you have your baby. :)

Thank you all so much for all of the wonderful comments and compliments! It has been so much fun reading them with my husband and I am so thankful for this beautiful community of people I've become so involved with. You are all fantastic!